The one-time West Ham United centre back moved to Brisbane Road to some ridicule, but departed Brisbane Road with his head held high

Bondz N’Gala returned to Dagenham & Redbridge this week after completing his loan spell at Leyton Orient.

The 28-year-old moved to the O’s on a one-month loan at the end of November looking to help the Brisbane Road club improve and he has certainly played his part in the revival under Justin Edinburgh.

N’Gala’s first two starts in an Orient shirt resulted in defeats to relegation rivals in the form of Torquay United (November 25) and Solihull Moors (December 2), but he has largely proved to be a solid signing since.

The ex-West Ham United youngster started wins over Sutton United (December 9) and Haringey Borough (December 16) before scoring the opener during a 2-0 victory at Maidstone United two days before Christmas.

He couldn’t play against his parent club Dagenham on Boxing Day, but extended his loan by a further month at Brisbane Road over the festive period.

N’Gala returned to the team for the visit of Bromley on December 30, but saw red after four minutes for a late tackle on George Porter just outside the penalty area.

Even though Orient went on to lose the game 1-0, the defender has remained a largely popular figure in E10.

He was an unused substitute for the goalless draw with Boreham Wood on January 6, but returned to the starting XI at Bognor Regis Town a week later in the FA Trophy second round.

The former Barnet centre back helped O’s progress 2-1 after extra-time and it turned out to be his last appearance for the club.

Although N’Gala has not set the world alight at Brisbane Road, he has played a crucial role in stopping the rot.

He was brought in while Josh Coulson and George Elokobi fully recovered from their long-term injuries and has returned to Dagenham with defence now looking a strong point for Orient.

N’Gala was only ever going to be a stopgap for O’s, but after joining during a bad period for the club, he would have left with his head held high.

He is not the main reason for Edinburgh’s men now being a comfortable five points above the drop zone with a game in hand, but his role can’t be ignored.

After joining Orient to some ridicule, he may well go back to Dagenham and play for John Still’s team now as they look to get out of a tricky period themselves.